Renting an Apartment in Poland: What a Foreigner Needs to Know

Buying an apartment Rental properties in Poland remain one of the most popular investment options among foreigners. A stable economy, high demand for housing, and clear regulations attract investors from around the world.

But in practice, renting real estate is Not just numbers in Excel, but a real business with its own risks, expenses and nuances that are important to know about before purchase, not after.

In this article we will discuss:

• Can a foreigner buy an apartment for rent in Poland?,
• what taxes will you have to pay,
• How much do management companies charge?,
• what real return can be expected,
• and why rent isn't always passive income.

Can a foreigner buy an apartment for rent in Poland?

In most cases - Yes.

A foreigner can buy an apartment for rent. without permission, If:

• this is an apartment in an apartment building,
• object is not located in the border zone,
• to the apartment does not include a share in a land plot or road.

📌 Important:
if it relates to the apartment udział w gruncie or udział w drodze, you may need permission to purchase land, even if the apartment itself has no restrictions.
Such nuances are necessary Be sure to check the documents and contracts with the developer.

Long-term or short-term rental

🏡 Long-term rental (umowa najmu)

Suitable for those who want:

• stable income,
• less participation,
• predictability.

As a rule:

• pays utility bills tenant,
• income is lower but more stable,
• less wear and tear on the apartment.

🧳 Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Booking)

Potentially a more profitable option, but:

• strong dependence on the season,
• more wear and tear on the apartment,
• possible restrictions from wspólnota mieszkaniowa,
• management is almost always required.

Taxes on rental income in Poland

For private rent, foreigners most often choose ryczałt:

• 8,5% — from income up to 100,000 PLN per year
• 12,5% — from amounts over PLN 100,000

📌 Important:

• tax is paid from income, and not from profit,
• expenses (repairs, furniture, maintenance) are not deductible,
• The tax is mandatory for both long-term and short-term rentals.

Management companies: how much do they cost?

If you don't live in Poland or don't want to handle the rental yourself, you can entrust your apartment to management.

Approximate rates:

• long-term lease: 8–12% from the rent
• short-term rental: 12–20%, sometimes more

Services typically include:

• search for tenants,
• payment control,
• communication,
• minor repairs,
• cleaning (for short-term rentals).

📌 The less your participation, the lower net income.

Real Return on Investment (ROI) Example - Warsaw

Let's look at a typical investment apartment:

• 2 rooms, 45–50 m²
• Wola / Mokotów district
• purchase price: 900,000 PLN

🏡 Long-term rental

Average rent: 3,500–4,000 PLN / month

Calculation example (3,800 PLN):

• Annual income: 45,600 PLN
• Tax 8.5%: ≈ 3,876 PLN
• Management company (10%): ≈ 4,560 PLN

👉 Net income:
≈ 37,000 PLN / year

📈 ROI: ~ 4–5% per annum

📌 With independent management, the profitability may be slightly higher.

🧳 Short-term rentals

Average income: 5,000–7,000 PLN / month

Calculation example (6,000 PLN):

• Annual income: 72,000 PLN
• Control (15%): ≈ 10,800 PLN
• Tax 8.5%: ≈ 6,100 PLN

👉 Net income:
≈ 55,000 PLN / year

📈 ROI: ~ 6–7% per annum

📌 The income is higher, but the risks are also greater.

Important point: rent is not always passive income

On my own behalf, I would like to add an important thought that is often forgotten.

All calculations above are made with the assumption that:

• tenant pays on time,
• there are no empty months,
• the apartment is not empty between tenants.

In practice, this is not always the case.

🛠 Repairs and wear and tear

It is necessary to take into account:

• cosmetic repairs every 2–3 years,
• more serious repairs — once a 5–8 years.

If you don't do this:

• the apartment is getting outdated,
• loses its attractiveness,
• starts to be rented out below market price.

⚠️ Risk of unscrupulous tenants

There are situations when:

• the tenant hasn't paid for several months,
• eviction takes time,
• The apartment is returned in poor condition.

In such cases profitability is falling sharply, and sometimes rent temporarily becomes unprofitable.

👨‍💼 Management = fewer problems, but lower income

Yes, the management company:

• reduces stress,
• solves everyday issues,
• takes on repairs and the search for tenants.

But it is important to understand:
The less headaches you have, the lower your net income..

Bottom Line: Should a Foreigner Invest in Rental Property in Poland?

Renting a property in Poland can be a good investment,
But This is not a “guaranteed passive income”.

Before purchasing, it is important:

• soberly assess the profitability,
• take into account repairs and downtime,
• understand the legal nuances,
• be prepared to take risks.

If you are looking for completely passive income without participation,
I would advise think twice and calculate everything well.

Consultation and support

I help foreigners:

• assess the real profitability of the property,
• check the documents and form of ownership,
• understand whether permission is needed,
• Safely buy an apartment for rent in Poland.

👉 If you are planning an investment and want to avoid costly mistakes - please contact us for a consultation, we will analyze your situation individually.